FVSU to Hold Diversity Conference for Future Teachers |

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According to the Center for American Progress, the nations’ classrooms are becoming more diverse. In the United States, students of color currently make up more than 40 percent of the public school population.

To help give aspiring teachers the tools to teach this large population of students, Fort Valley State University’s College of Education—in collaboration with the Georgia College and State University—will hold its fourth annual Student Diversity Conference in the C.W. Pettigrew Center on March 7. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The theme of this year’s conference is, “Diversity in 4D: Moving Forward.”

According to Dr. Sherry Crocker, the four “D’s” stand for demographics, dialogue, dimensions and difference within the classroom. She explained that the conference will feature presentations from educators around the area.

“We called out for proposals from research-based strategies and hands-on tools for pre-service teachers to use when they finally reach the professional environment,” said Crocker.

The keynote speaker for the event will be Dr. Cynthia Dillard, professor of multicultural education, University of Georgia. Dillard, the Mary Frances Early professor of Teacher Education, received the American Educational Research Association’s 2012 Distinguished Contributions to Gender Equity in Education Research award. The honor is given to researchers who help advance the public’s understanding of gender issues within educational field.

To pre-register for the event, go online. The event is open to the public. Tickets for the public and university faculty are $35; and $25 for college students. For more information, contact FVSU’s College of Education, (478) 825-6365.